The Special Education Alliance was formed to address the concern that all students, both disabled and non-disabled, were being short-changed because of lack of funding to support mandates created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The provision of mandated services has resulted in encroachments into the general funds of the 29 districts in Orange County, to the tune of more than $210 million during the 2003/04 school year. Encroachments represent dollars that must be taken from the regular education program to support the needs of special education students. The Alliance`s position is that all students should be provided with the services they needs to be successful in meeting academic standards. It is also the Alliance`s position that one group should not be extended benefits and entitlements through a mandate by extracting funding away from students who do not qualify for such services.

Q:

What is the goal of the Special Education Alliance?

A:

The goal of the Alliance is to provide high quality educational services to all students in every district in Orange County. To achieve that goal, the Alliance will offer high quality staff development to its practicioners, use the legislative process to seek adequate funding to provide these high quality services, and when necessary, support litigation to achieve these goals.

Q:

What is the historical background that places the Special Education Alliance in a position where achieving such a goal is necessary?

What can the community, parents, employee organizations, and advocates for special needs children do to rectify this issue?

A:

All advocates and constituents in support of children and their educational needs should make a concerted effort to contact their local elected officials and hold them accountable for promises and mandates for which regular education and special needs children are entitled.